Friday's NHL Playoff Capsules

2013-05-03 22:07:00

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Kyle Okposo's first career playoff goal with 7:37 remaining lifted the New York Islanders to a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night, evening their playoffs series at one game each.

Matt Moulson, Colin McDonald and Matt Martin also scored for the Islanders, who spoiled Sidney Crosby's comeback from a broken jaw by rallying from an early two-goal deficit.

Crosby scored twice in the game's first eight minutes as the Penguins raced to a quick 3-1 lead. But they couldn't hold it as the Islanders bounced back from a lifeless performance in Game 1.

Evgeni Nabokov overcame a sluggish start to stop 30 shots as the Islanders won their first playoff game in more than six years.

Marc-Andre Fleury made 38 saves for Pittsburgh, which allowed the speedy Islanders to effectively counterpunch all night.

Game 3 is Sunday in New York.

Canadiens 3, Senators 1

MONTREAL (AP)—Ryan White started a three-goal second period and goalie Carey Price was back in top form with 29 saves as the Canadiens evened their playoff series.

The best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal is tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 on Sunday in Ottawa.

Brendan Gallagher and Michael Ryder also scored for Montreal. Milan Michalek scored for Ottawa, which was let down by a power play that went 0-for-4.

There was anticipation of rough play after Eric Gryba's hit that saw Montreal's Lars Eller carried off the Bell Centre ice on a stretcher with a concussion and some missing teeth in Ottawa's 4-2 win in the series opener on Thursday night. Eller spent the night in hospital and was released Friday morning.

Gryba drew a two-game suspension from the NHL and sat out Game 2.

Blackhawks 5, Wild 2

CHICAGO (AP)—Patrick Sharp and Michael Frolik had two goals apiece, and the Blackhawks took a 2-0 series lead over the Wild.

Patrick Kane added two assists as Chicago put together a strong start and impressive finish. Bryan Bickell added an empty-net score to his winning goal in the Blackhawks' 2-1 overtime victory in the post-season opener Tuesday night.

Game 3 is Sunday afternoon in Minnesota.

Devin Setoguchi and Marco Scandella scored for the Wild, who are making their first post-season appearance in five years.

Sharks 3, Canucks 2, OT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)—Raffi Torres scored at 5:31 of overtime to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-0 lead over the Vancouver Canucks.

The series shifts to San Jose for games Sunday and Tuesday. San Jose was 17-2-5 at home this season.

Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, whose goal in the final minute of the third period forced overtime, also scored for San Jose.

The Canucks took their sixth consecutive loss in a home playoff game. Now, they might not get another one after winning their fifth consecutive Northwest Division title.

Ryan Kesler scored two third-period goals for Vancouver, helping the Canucks overcome a 1-0 deficit that stood since the first period.